An unusual reason for obstructive sleep apnea in a boy with hemophilia B: supraglottic papilloma

Abstract

An unusual cause of obstructive sleep apnea in a boy with hemophilia B who was urgently intubated during the night because of suspected bleeding into the airway is analysed. The cause of airway obstruction was a floating papilloma hanging from false cord. At inspirium the tumor was moving immediately above the vocal cords. This was manifested during sleep by noisy snoring and numerous apneic pauses. When the child was awake he had no respiratory problems. After the tumor was removed, the boy breathed freely during sleep. However, the papillomas recur in various parts of the larynx and repeated surgical treatment by factor IX replacement: therapy is necessary.